Schmid Names Schmetzer As First Assistant Coach

RENTON, WASH. –
Brian Schmetzer has been named the top assistant coach for the Seattle
Sounders FC staff, head coach Sigi Schmid announced today.

Schmetzer,
46, joins Sounders FC following seven seasons as the head coach of the
Sounders’ United Soccer Leagues First Division club. He guided Seattle
to USL-1 championships in 2005 and 2007, and U.S. Open Cup semifinal
advancements in 2007 and 2008.

“I’m excited to work with Brian,” said Schmid, who became head coach
Dec. 16. “He brings great knowledge of the Seattle area, the history of
the USL-1 Sounders, and a wealth of coaching experience. That, coupled
with his past playing experience, makes him the ideal assistant coach.”

Schmetzer has nine years of experience coaching and 15 years of
playing at the professional level. He was a member of six championship
teams during that span.

“Having been born and raised in Seattle, and having lived most of my
life here, I love this city and I couldn’t have scripted a more perfect
career path,” said Schmetzer. “I feel lucky, first to have been chosen
to coach the USL Sounders, then to be considered along with Sigi and
some other outstanding candidates for the MLS head coaching job. Now,
I’m working with a great coach in Sigi, in my home city for what is
rapidly becoming the best club in the business. It seems everything is
falling into place.”

As coach of the USL-1 Sounders from 2002-07, Schmetzer’s teams also
twice won the Commissioner’s Cup for the league’s best record and
qualified for the playoffs six of seven years. He was chosen USL-1
Coach of the Year in 2002 after going 23-4-1. The Sounders were league
runners-up in 2004. His overall regular season record was 100-57-41.

Previously, he had served two seasons (1996-97) as an assistant
coach for the Seattle SeaDogs, winning the Continental Indoor Soccer
League title with Seattle in 1997.

“Having worked with Brian for seven years, I can’t imagine a better
representative of what Sounders soccer means,” said general manager
Adrian Hanauer. “He has a combination of passion, competitiveness,
experience and a mind for the game. I have never met anyone who hates
losing as much as Brian, and that mentality has consistently driven his
teams to succeed. I couldn’t be happier that he’s going to continue
having a key role for Sounders FC.”

A Seattle native, Schmetzer signed with the Sounders’ North American
Soccer League franchise following his graduation from Nathan Hale High
School in 1980. He played three seasons as a midfielder for Seattle
before going to Tulsa for the final NASL season in 1984.

Schmetzer signed with the San Diego Sockers in 1984 and played seven
seasons in the Major Indoor Soccer League with San Diego (1984-88),
Tacoma (1988-90) and St. Louis (1990-91). He was a member of the
Sockers’ MISL championship teams in 1985, 1986 and 1988. He returned to
Seattle for the Sounders’ inaugural A-League season in 1994 before
completing his playing career with the SeaDogs from 1995-96.

In 1985, Schmetzer played on loan to FC Seattle, scoring twice in a
2-1 friendly win over Brazil’s Santos. While with Tacoma and FC
Seattle, Schmetzer’s teammates included younger brothers Andy and
Walter.

Sounders FC will open training camp January 21. The Major League
Soccer season opener is March 19 against the New York Red Bulls at
Qwest Field.